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Published on: August 24, 2019
Pembrolizumab related perforated appendicitis.
Murat Kiracı1, Selin Akturk Esen1, Duriye Ozer Turkay2
1Department of Medical Oncology, Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
Pembrolizumab, an immunotherapy for melanoma, can rarely cause appendicitis. This case highlights the importance of considering bowel perforation in patients on immunotherapy experiencing abdominal pain.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunotherapy
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Pembrolizumab is an increasingly utilized immunotherapy for various cancers, known for durable responses and tolerable toxicity.
- This report focuses on a rare adverse event associated with its use in malignant melanoma treatment.
Observation:
- A 70-year-old male with stage 3C malignant melanoma developed acute abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting shortly after pembrolizumab treatment.
- Abdominal tomography revealed signs suggestive of appendiceal perforation.
Findings:
- The patient underwent emergency appendectomy, with histological findings confirming appendicitis.
- The patient recovered well following surgical intervention and discontinuation of pembrolizumab.
Implications:
- Acute abdominal pain during immunotherapy necessitates urgent evaluation, including imaging and clinical assessment.
- Bowel perforation, though rare, should be considered a potential complication of immunotherapy agents like pembrolizumab.
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